The Scott Family Amazeum is preparing to open The Hangout, a major expansion designed to give Northwest Arkansas families and the broader community more places to gather, learn and play.
The expansion is scheduled to open this fall and will add several new spaces to the Bentonville museum, including a café and lounge, flexible gathering areas, an early learning center and an outdoor learning space.
“The Hangout reflects how the Amazeum continues to evolve alongside Northwest Arkansas,” said Seth Duell, capital campaign manager for the museum. “Our community asked for more spaces to gather, learn, and connect, and that’s exactly what this expansion delivers. Whether you’re stopping by for coffee, attending a workshop, exploring with your toddler, or meeting friends after a ride on the Greenway, The Hangout is designed to welcome everyone.”
Headwaters Café & Lounge will offer coffee, meals and a place to relax or meet friends. The café will be open to visitors without requiring museum admission.
The expansion also includes the River Rooms, flexible spaces that can be used for birthday parties, meetings, workshops, professional development and other gatherings.
For younger visitors, the Early Learning Advancement Center (ELAC) will feature exhibits designed for children ages 0 to 6, focusing on exploration, discovery and play. The space will also include the Discovery Studio, where educators and early childhood professionals can participate in training and learn strategies for encouraging creativity and curiosity.
Imagine Outdoors will offer children and caregivers opportunities to build, explore and connect with nature. The space will also preview the Amazeum’s planned Backyard project, which is part of a future phase of its expansion.
The Hangout is expected to open in fall 2026, with opening celebrations and community events to be announced. Support for the project comes from The Scott Family, Walmart Spark for Good and the Walker Family Foundation.
For more information about the Expanding Futures campaign and The Hangout, click here.
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